Second-Offense DWI in Minnesota

Read about the consequences of a second-offense DWI in Minnesota.

Driving while impaired (DWI), sometimes called “DUI,” results in criminal and administrative penalties. The severity of these penalties increases for repeat DWI offenses. This article discusses some of the consequences for a second DWI. A DWI counts as a second offense if the motorist has one DWI that occurred within the past ten years. (Also, read about the penalties for a first and third DWI in Minnesota.)

Minnesota defines DWI as driving, operating, or being in physical control of a motor vehicle while:

under the influence of alcohol or drugs

knowingly under the influence of a hazardous substance that affects the body and substantially impairs driving abilities

having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or greater (a “per se” DWI), or

having any amount of a Schedule I or II drug, except marijuana, in the body (also a per se DWI).

Upon a lawful arrest for DWI, Minnesota law also makes it a crime to refuse to take a breath alcohol test. This offense is referred to as an implied consent or test refusal crime.

Administrative Penalties

“Administrative penalties”—which are administered by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety—are meant to provide a swift consequence. These penalties can be imposed upon or soon after a DWI arrest and may apply even if the offender is never criminally convicted of a DWI.

For a second DWI in ten years, administrative penalties include driver’s license revocation for one year and “plate impoundment.” If the DWI involved chemical test refusal or a BAC of .16% or more, the revocation period is increased to two years.

Plate impoundment refers to the removal and surrender of a vehicle’s license plates. The plate impoundment order applies to all vehicles registered in the offender’s name, whether alone or jointly. To drive those vehicle(s) again, the offender must apply for special registration plates—more commonly known as “whiskey plates.”

Under certain circumstances, a second-offense DWI may also result in vehicle forfeiture.

(Minn. Stat. Ann. § § 169A.52, 169A.54, 169A.60, 169A.63 (2016).)

Criminal Penalties

“Criminal penalties” are imposed by a criminal court following a DWI conviction. A second DWI in ten years is a gross misdemeanor. The maximum penalty is one year in jail and a $3,000 fine. At a minimum, the judge must impose a 30-day sentence. The judge specifies whether this sentence is to be served in jail, doing community service, or a combination of the two. The offender must also submit to a chemical dependency assessment and complete any recommended treatment.

Costs Associated with a DWI

The costs of criminal and administrative penalties are considerable, and include:

criminal fines and surcharges

chemical dependency assessment fees and surcharges

treatment costs, and

in some cases, bail and penalty assessments.

To regain driving privileges, the offender must pay:

a driver’s license examination fee

DWI reinstatement fee and surcharge (totaling $680), and

plate impoundment fees.

In addition, if the offender wants to drive during the license revocation period, the offender must pay for installation of an ignition interlock device (IID), as well as any continuing servicing, monitoring, and insurance costs.

Sentencing law is
complex. For example, a statute might list a “minimum” jail sentence that’s
longer than the actual amount of time (if any) a defendant will have to spend
behind bars. All kinds of factors can affect actual punishment, including credits
for good in-custody behavior and jail-alternative work programs.

If you face criminal
charges, consult an experienced criminal defense lawyer. An attorney with
command of the rules in your jurisdiction will be able to explain the law as it
applies to your situation.

Getting Legal Help

Minnesota DWI law is complex, and facts of every case are different. If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence, talk to an experienced DWI attorney in your area. A qualified DWI lawyer can tell you how the law applies to the facts of your case and help you decide on the best course of action.